The Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets have cooled their reported trade talks involving point guard Deron Williams, according to league sources.

Sacramento had recently initiated talks with the Nets over a deal for the point guard with second-year forward Mason Plumlee also involved in the move. Sources suggested that it was Plumlee who was the main target and that the Kings would be willing to take on Williams’ contract to sweeten the deal.

However, despite reports of conflict with coach Lionel Hollins, Plumlee has emerged as a key player this season as he averages 18 points and 10.2 rebounds over the last six games.

With the forward no longer a realistic target, the Kings are said to have backed off from a move for Williams but ESPN’s Chris Broussard suggests that the deal is not dead altogether just yet.

Sacramento had been interested in acquiring Rajon Rondo before his move to the Dallas Mavericks last week, and so it is clear that they are in the market to upgrade at the point guard position.

Williams has two years remaining on his current contract worth more than $43m after this season, but a move to Sacramento could be one that he welcomes as it would give him the opportunity to work with Tyrone Corbin again.

Corbin, currently interim coach of the Kings after the franchise fired Mike Malone, was the assistant coach in Utah when Williams enjoyed his best years in the NBA with the Jazz and he is expected to remain in charge for the remainder of the season as the Kings search for a long-term appointment.